davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-08
Heirs in a Novel Case.

PARKERsBURG, w. VA, October 2.
"A peculiar case has just been de-
cided by Judge Jackson, of the Unit
ed States District Court. In 1856
Hiram l.. Opie, the ancestor of the
plaintiffs, sold to Henry w. Castle
man tract ofland in Jefferson coun-
ty, now in West Virginia, for SAL
1873. OF this amount $4,000 was
paid in cash and tee remainder in
notes of S. 900 or less payable at GER
tain dates up to 1894. These notes
were secured by deed of trust on
the property. AT the time of the
grantor's death there remained about
$12,0 900 still to pay. The widow of
the deceased and brother qualified
as executors. In 1862, Castleman
having still about $4,000 to pay,
bought up lot of Confederate money
and going across the military lines
into Virginia, where the widow of
Hiram l.. Opie then lived, rendered
it to her in payment Of the debt. She
being Southern sympathizer &C.
cepted the money in good faith and
gave release upon the deed Of trust
as executrix. The other representa-
tive of the deceased was absent and
the heirs were not of age. The pur-
chase money was almost immediate
ly invested in Confederate bonds,
which soon became worthless. The
case just ended was brought by the
heirs of Opie, now ofage, against the
heirs of Castleman to recover the
amount of purchase money paid in
Confederate notes. The court held
that the plaintiffs had the right to re-
cover; that the ancestor of the de-
PENDANTS made contract before the
war to pay certain amount in lawful
money and that crossing the military
lines and paying the debt in Confed-
crate money, which was not recog-
nized by the United States govern
ment, was not payment; that the
investment in bonds of the Confeder
ate states, issued solely for the pur
pose of waging war against the
government, was not such an invest
ment of flduciary funds as would be
allowed to stand that the heirs of
Opie had not received lawful money
for the estate sold and could recover
the full amount from the Castleman
heirs. The property now is Of con-
siderable value and fully equal to
that of the original $4,000, with near
ly thirty years interest. An action
is now to be brought against the rep
resetantiyes of Opie by the heirs Of
Castleman to recover the value of
the Confederate money paid in 1862.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-08
The Ann Offner Case.

The following ia a synopsis Of the
testimony of Ann Offner in her own
behalf upon trial at Romney for the
killing of Brooks.
Every eye was riveted upon the
handsome face and form of the state
ly looking young woman as she took
the witness stand and began, in a
clear, ringing voice, to testify in her
own behalf She spoke for some time,
urging self-defense as her plea, and
holding the large audience as If spell
bound, until the last word fell from
her lips.
The opinion was general through
out the court room that she helped
her cause great deal by hsr earnest,
frank statement of the circumstances
that lead to the killing of her lover.
She said that Brooks had taken her
to Cumberland and, as she thought,
married her. After she and Brooks
came back to Ronney, she lean ned
that one of Brooks Cumberland
friends OBLIGATED rs minister in their
mock marriage and subsequently she
was living with man who had ruin
ed her as his wife, when she had no
such claim upon him. She at once
left Brooks and went to her fathers.
Brooks often came there and threat
ened her with death If she did not
come back to his house. On the
morning OF the murder he met her in
the thicket and tried To pull her off
her horse, saying he was going TO
kill her. She at once drew her re-
volver and shot him in the temple,
killing him Instantly.
The jury failed TO agree and were
DISCHARGED They stood from first
to last 10 for acquittsl and for con
viction.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-08
IIEDGESVILLE.

Among recent arrivals are Mrs
6nodgrass of Kentucky, John Mar
lin. M. A. Snodgrass and Mr.. Tram
mel, of your city.
Rev. j. o. Dorsey and family, af
Der summers sojourn in the village
took their departure for Washington
bn Tuesday last.
Mr.. j. M. Cairo, with his usual in.
Eenuity, has originated q new enter
prize in this community, viz. hat
,oloring, any shade. from mouse col.
pr to scarlet red.
The death of Mrs. Jennie Eberly,
o well and favorably known in. this
ection, was learned with regret by
'er many friends.
Mr.. j. Fl. Miller made flying
isit to YOUR city the past week.
Master and Miss Smoke, Of White
Iall, are in the village the guests OF
heir uncle, Mr.. Geo. Harris.
Miss Leila Slyer, of Washington,
visiting the family of Mr. George
Hill,
Rev. II. d. Roller. wife and sister
ere the guests of Rev. level and
lie one day last week.
Some of the village residents are
lying in q supply of coal which ad-
lonishes us OF the approach a lower
amperaturo. REPORTER.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-08
BOLD ROBBERY.
County Clerk Dawson's House Entered
and Ransacked by Thieves.

anu naHsackeu Dy InteveS.
BEKELEY SPRINGS, October 3.-On
the night of September 30th the
house of Mr. L. H. b. Dawson, who
is clerk of the county court,
was entered at late hour by a thief,
or thieves. They succeeded in carry
ing off one hundred and fifteen dol
lars of Mr.. Dawson's money, coffee
pot, clock and loaf of bread. The
three latter things were found on the
following morning in the Catholic
grave yard, which is short distance
from the house. Some few days ago
Mr.. Dawson had received $4,000
from the Peabody Insurance Com
pany. of Wheeling w. Va, and the
Etna, of Hartford, Conn, to pay to
Mr.. M. Mendenhall, as the amount
for which his Touring mill was insur-
ed. The mill was situated at Sir
Johns Run, and was destroyed by
fire few weeks since.
The thieves supposed that the
money was in Mr.. Dawson's house,
and so they attempted to secure it.
They entered the front door, which
had been locked, as the family sup
posed, but the key had been turned
before the door was entirely closed.
One of them came up the kitchen
stairs and entered Mr.. Dawson's
room and took his pants which hung
at the foot of his bed The insur-
ance they did not get, but the one
hundred and fifteen dollars which
was in his pocket-book, was taken
and check for large amount. Mr.
Dawson did not know exactly how
much. Another check for twelve
dollars was also taken, which was
dropped by the rogues in getting
away. 1t was found and restored to
its proper owner. He says he thinks
the check was not endorsed. He
heard the man enter the room and
thinking it was one of his children
coming in after a drink of water paid
nv dObSutlOn W III. III buc IuOTDluE,
judge his surprise when he found his
pants out ON the front porch, with
the pockets rifed Of all the money
that was in them, save two cents.
There was lot of valuable papers in
the book which were not disturbed
at all. Strange to say his gold watch
was not taken, it hung near his
clothes.
Another case Of theft has been
brought to light. 1t occurred week
or so ago, and has been kept conceal
ed until recently, the parties that the
goods were stolen from not wishing
to make it known. The person, in
tent upon evil, forced the lock of Mr..
7. j. Blackwood's stable open and
broke into some boxes which were
stored therein, and took lot Of
clothing and other thirgs. The
goods that were in the stable belong
ed to Mrs. Crichton, of Baltimore.
They then went to Mr.. Blackwood's
house and took several articles from
him.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-08
PERMISSION 70 90 HoME.
n. IT. IS IN Hnrpe1.'s Bagor,

r.. III. IN Hdrper's BdzGr.
BeSs Went TO church one snltry day;
She kept awake, I'm glad 10 sav.
TIL 4" iourthly" started on his way
Then the moments into hours grew
oh dear n dear what SHOULD she do {?
Unseen, she giided from the pew,
And up the aisle demurely went;
on some absorbing mission bent,
Her cyes filled with look intent.
She stopped and said, IN plalntiye tone,
With md upliftcd tow tid the dome.
PLEASE, prewher-mln, can 80 home 4
The tre',ln VOICE. hrl.-l Ike IN sound,
Di-turheda sermon most profound
4 litter sw' lied a. II went rolnd
4 smile rha ra,tDr', la,e o'erspread-
H. paused y lent ~ stately head
Y"s, little deAr,'' he gently said.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-08
20, ii was Pitiful !"

OF course IL was ? He tried one rem
cav AFTER "l"'ihrr. ani 1naily gave up
and drd. when his life might have
been sav'i by taking DR.. Pierce's Col
den Me Iicai Discovery the great
CONSUMPTION Cur which ifpromptlv
eta,loStd, WI soon subdne AL threaten
lng s'mpt0'ns, sncn AS cough, labored
breathing. night sWrats, splitting OF
blood ,ets. and restoring waning strength
aud hope, eifpclnally stop the poor con
snmp'ivr's rtpid progress ward.
L II not wDrl trying? AiidIuggists.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-08
3. 90 Relief Association.

The Baltimore and Ohio Relief
Association paid out in benefits in
August $27, 1927, distributed thus !:
Main Stem transportation depart
ment, IS 35040; machinery. S7.3S2.
81; road. S0S04G. Philadelphia
division, Sl,427.92; Trans Ohio, So
S90Tl; Pittsburg division, SlS74 :
OF and $l,452.S0, for doctors hills.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-08
The Richest Man in the World.

would be poor without health. The
dying millionaire consumptive would
exchange all he is worth for new lease
of life, He could have had it for song
had he used Dr. Pierce's Golden Medi-
cal Discovery" before the disease had
reached it's last stages. This wonderful
preparation Is positive cure for con
sumption If taken in time. For all dis
eases Of the throat and lungs it is un-
equaled. All druggists.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-08
ARDEN.

We have had fine rain.
The beautiful leaves and flowers
are fading that shows that fall APP
proaches.
/ am sorry to say our bachelor
Mr.. c. has left our little village, he
lis clerking at Mr.. John Sencindiver's
store at Rest.
Mr.. Will Brady has returned home
from long visit OF seven years in
the western country.
Miss Sue Stuckey, from Bunker
hill, is visiting her sister Mrs. Turner
Pitzer.
Mrs. George Pitzer and family
spent Saturday and Sunday with her
mother, Mrs. Catrow.
Mr.. and Mrs. Shook, of Frederick,
are visiting their father, Mr.. Pitzer.
Rev. Messrs. Strother and Stump
will commence their protracted meet
ing next Sunday at Gerardstown.
1t is rather late for whipperwill,
but heard the report of one Sunday
night coming from Bunker Hill.
We are sorry to lose Mr.. Charles
Miller from our midst as he has left
for his new home in Florida
UNo.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-08
Edward Shepherd, Of Harrisburg

Edward Shepherd, of Harrisburg H.
says; Having received SO much benefit
ON Electric Bilters, feel it my duty tc
l"tsuf.ring humanity know it, Have had n
rahnIpg sore on my leg for eight years ny
joctors told me would have TO have the
none scraped or leg amputated used in
lead three. bottles Of Electric Bitters and
Even boxes Buckien's Arnlca Salye, and my
rp is now sound and well
Electric Bitters are sold at fifty cents a
bottle. sndRucklen' Arniaa Salve at 25c.
per box by e. G. Williams. Jr, 4 Bro
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-08
CORRESPONDENCE
BROAD LANE.

Everything seems to be moving
along lively in this end of the neck.
Mr. Gregory is small IN stature, but
he seems to have prolific ideas re-
specting the development of the
minds of pupils and pedagogism gen.
orally.
The late potatoe crop is very good
quite encouraging to those who have
to buy.
Will some orchardist or pomolo-
gist please to inform us why Raul's
Genette apple trees are loaded with
delicious, perfect fruit this fall, whilst
other varieties have few or no apples?
Kind readers, now is the time, as
the nights are beginning to lengthen,
and the mind must be employed, so
ask your friend to subscribe for the
INDEPENDENT, the paper that has a
large circulation, and bring with it at
every issue, fresh supply of local,
domestic, native, foreign, religious,
political and chaste news that every
citizen in the country should know.
Mr.. Jas. Ripple has been quite i'll
for the last week, but is now conva-
lescing.
The ague, so far, has withheld it's
chilly hand from tn busy people OF
our moral heritage.
Mr.. Geo. Cole and Judge Syester
with their profuse knowledge are con-
structing derrick that will, when
completed, be great labor saving
contrivance. especially in their par
ticular vocation.
Butter II, eggs 16, -four $4,75 to
S., 90, chickens cts. per pound, ba-
con and shoulders 10, sides -, hams
16, fresh beef 6 to 10 per pound, po-
tatoes 10 cts per bushel
1t is said that cyclone passed
over the other night again, and de
molished the dam, near Lemons
Ferry, which backed the water on
the ford, but this cyclone was in the
shape of 23 well armed men.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-08

Egypt is again becoming land ot
|nion culture. Large quantities are
early shipped to Europe from Alex
|ndra and other ports. A few years
go the trade hardly existed, while
b two months of last year alone IA.
200 tons w,re shipped to Liverpool!
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-10-08

Capt. Mary Pfaahi dropped onto
Albert Masters, a Mt. Vernon, o.,
tough, with both law and gospel, and
it will cost him $l0Dto disturb Sal
vitinn army meeting.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1887-04-01
WAVERLEY MAGAZINE,
INTERESTING TO LADIES.

Our lady readers can hardly fail to
have their attention called this week
to the latest com bination of improve
ments in that most useful of all domes-
tic implements, the sewing machine. "
AS we understand it, u machine for
family use should meet first of all these
requirements: 1t should be simple in
its mechanism it should run easily A;
it should do wide range of work it
should be as nearly noiseless as posi-
BILE; it should be light, handsome,
durable, and as cheap as is consistent
with excellence throughout,
These conditions the Light Run
ming New Home" certainly meets. 1t
has also several very Important and
useful attachments and notions" of
its own, which go far to make good
its claims to popular favor.
The New Home" specially recon-
mends itself to purchasers on account
OF its superior mechanical construc-
ton, ease of management and reason
able price. Over half million have
been sold in the last three years, all Of
which are giving universal satisfaction.
This unrivalled machine is manufac-
tured by the New HOME SEWING MA
CHINE Co., Orange, Mass, and 80
Union Square, New York.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1887-04-01
Vermont VS.. Dakota.

A writer in the American Guilt
vator makes the following forcible
suggestions in favor of Vermont
boys staying at home and making
the best of neglected opportunities
for good farming, instead of risking
and roughing SO mach in Dakota
and other greatly advertised places
in the West:
If men and women are satisfied to
live in Vermont as they expect to do
in three-quarters of the cases in the
newer western states, there would
be opportunities in every town in
Vermont for cheap land and abun-
dant prosperity.
For instance, few days since, "a
acres of pasture land in this vicinity
charlotte with living water, sold
at $24 per acre. This land lies within
four miles of the railroad station,
mill, church, store and other evil
dences of civilization. Not rod
of the land but can be plowed, and
the grain cut with a Irvine binder.
Notwithstanding this, young men
raised in Vermont are leaving this
very town, going to Minnesota pay
ing $22 per acre for farms worth
nothing in the shape of buildings on
them, with only az apology for a
log house, and perhaps straw hovel
for stock.
Suppose, for instance, that quar-
ter section, say 700 acres of land, in
Minnesota can be sold ten or twenty
years hence at $40 per acre. What
is it going to cost to erect the build.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1887-04-01

ings upon such farm to make it
command these prices? Suppose
farmers of cheap lands here in Yer
mont put up log huts, if they can do
no better, drive an OK team to mar
ket, mill and church, as they do in
the west. Now if they will submit
to these economies here in Vermont,
81 can be made in this State where
fifty cents can be secured on the
blizzard swept, alkali plains of d.
kota. Grumbling and complaining
never made money anywhere. If a
man has small means to commence
with, he must be industrious and
economical. He must rigidly adj
here to living within his income.
There may be fascination in new
life in newer states, but once there,
families who have known better
times put up with Inconvenience
and positive hardships that would
not be thought of in New England
for moment.
In northeastern Vermont there
are thousands of acres of first class
lands, which have been and are now
being cleared by lumbermen of their
old growth, which can be bought,
with the stumpage and small tim
Der still standing, for $3.50 to $3.50
per acre. These are not mountain
lands, but the majority of them will
when subdued, make excellent farms
But who thinks of roughing it
in Vermont? And the very men
who leave behind them here whole
townships unorganized, without {
settler in them, migrate west, tc
shiver, go ragged and perhaps &C
hungry sometimes, in the great
"wheat belts" of Minnesota anC
Dakota.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1887-04-01
Hard Times.

These words are in the mouth of
almost every person who IS old
enough to talk of the times. They
are adopted as the language of com
plant or apology by the great ma
ionty of those who are in any kind
of trouble in relation to their bust
ness or means of subsistence, and
form, with some, the plea of indo-
lence or parsimonY. But it should
be remembered that there are GER
tain standing facts in the face of
which few can with justice attribute
any great portion of their real trou-
bles to the hard times. 1t is yet
true in our country that the indus
trious, prudent man will not suffer
want. Where health is enjoyed,
there is no excuse for miserable pow
erty. The earth produces her fruits
from year to year as freely as ever;
the materials Of mechanical industry
are abundant, and the wants of our
race are not essentially changed,
and our government does not lat
least in comparison with many
others) place the few in the situa-
ton to consume the earnings of the
multitude. The grand sources of
human enjoyment are neither mac
cessible nor exhausted. If our coun-
trymen viii cheerfully recognize and
submit to the great law of our exist
ence in this world, that man must
support himself by labor, and If
they will abandon life of specula,
ton and the various modes, both
reputable and disreputable, of gam.
bling, they will find that the great
promise of which the rainbow is the
seal is ever made good, and that the
ordinances of the Creator still poin t
out the path to happiness.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1887-04-01

Colorado or Nevada. lie says that
the spirit Of gambling seems inner
ent in all concerned vita mining
operations. Men of all nationalilies,
classes, trades, and professions, are
to be found at LeadviIle and similar
places, and they all live in feyerish
hope Of discovering n bonanza.
Gambling saloons abound, where
the play is high and the drinking
deep. Though the working miners
earn four dollars a day, Sunday in
cludcd, their rough living, six or
eight together in log cabin, costs
ten dollars a week, and much of the
remainder is recklessly squandered
in the "hells" which abound in ev-
cry mining camp. There are ex-
ceptions, but these are very rare.
Ia response to the question as to
whether emigration to America or
Canada is desirable, DIR. Aubrey
says an obvious reply is that any
going to either country, and especial
ly to the newly settled regions, must
be prepared to work, and even, if
needs, to rough it for Z time. OF
mere clerks and Of unskilled labor
ers there are in most places already
more than enough. Lawyers are in
excess of public requirements, and
other professional men are not in
much request. But skilled artisans
can find constant work at high wages
and experienced farmers with little
capital have abundant opportunities
for making more. There are, OF
course, some drawbacks, as is Ger
tain to be the case in new country
but young and ardent life readily
adapts itself to novel conditions,
and there is much that IS attractive
both in the United States and in The
Dominion. The kindness and hos
pitalitY of the people are proverbial
and even though popular freedom
occasionally assumes forms that ap
pear strange to the insular mind
, the absence Of conyentioraliSm an(
of artificial superiority is a charm t.
many. In the United States Ger
) tain domestic and social problem
J have yet to be worked out, beside
the one arising from the large foreign
population, such as the Mormon diff
ficulty, labor disputes, the educatio,
of the colored people, fiscal qucs
tions, and those affecting production
and industry; but there is ever,
reason to believe that the practice
common sense of America will fin,
q safe and satisfactory solution t.
these problems.
DR.. Aubrey reports that the almos
universal sentiment in America o
, the Irish question is in favor ofAil
| Gladstone, whose career is watche
2 with the deepest interest and syn
: pathy, and further, whatever news
: paper writers and politicians on bot
s sides of the Atlantic may choose {
: assert, the mass Of the people in tn
United States are we'll disposed t.
b wards England, and are determine
: to maintain the kindly relations tina
}, have so long existed between tt,
: two countries.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1887-04-01
WAVERLEY MAGAZINE.
Reading maketh a full man."


Send one dollar and receive budget
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Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1887-04-01
GhF essex County 8erald.
ISLAND POND. APRIL /, 1887.
Fnst pnr Proclamation.

In accordance with the vcnerated
custom of New England it becomes
the people of this State to lrumbly
confess their transgreSsions and
shortcomings to Almighty God, and
in humility acknowledge their de-
pendence on Him.
Therefore, |, Ebenezer ]. Ormsbee,
governor of the State of Vermont,
do hereby appoint Friday, the eighth
day of April next, as day of fasting,
humiliation and prayer. Let us on
that day cease from our accustomed
labors, refrain from improper amusc-
ments and meet in the appointed
places of worship and there join in
fitting and appropriate religious ex-
ercises. recommend that at such
exercises, and at our homes, we
make special acknowledgment of
our dependence upon the Divine
Providence, and devoutly pray to
God for a continuance of his many
blessings and mercies. Especially
let us earnestly suppiicate that the
scourgc Of iutemperance may be
STAYED and that our otherwise happy
and prosperous land may be relieved
from that widespread and terrible
curse; and may we not only so pray.
but so live that our precept and ex'
ample may be in accordance with
such prayer.
Given under my hand and the sea
of the State in the executive chamber
at Brandon this eighteenth day oil
March, A. D., 1887, and of the indie
pendcnce of the United States the
one hundred and twelfth.
EBENEzER J. ORMsBEE.
by the Governor.
FLETCHER d. PRoCToE,
Sec. of Civil and Military Affairs